duster

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dusting methods, including mechanical and electrostatic dusters, struggle to effectively reach intricate and delicate surfaces without damaging them, and vacuum cleaners are cumbersome and inefficient for such tasks.

Innovation Solution

A flexible, electrostatic duster cord driven by a motor, which continuously attracts dust with static charge, is used in conjunction with a vacuum system to collect and recharge the charge, allowing for efficient dust removal from all surfaces without physical damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a rigid vacuum cleaner nozzle is used to reach high places and tight spaces, then dust can be collected from surfaces, but the nozzle is difficult to manipulate around delicate objects and may damage them

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereach distanceVSAvoidmanipulability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible, dynamically moving duster cord that can extend and retract, allowing it to reach high and tight spaces while maintaining flexibility for easy manipulation around delicate objects. The cord's ability to move dynamically resolves the contradiction between reach distance and manipulability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The duster cord is constructed as a flexible element rather than a rigid nozzle, enabling it to bend and conform to delicate surfaces without causing damage. This flexible structure allows the cord to reach difficult areas while being easily maneuvered around intricate objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Productivity

If mechanical duster fibers are used to remove dust from surfaces, then dust can be physically moved, but the dust is pushed off the surface and distributed back into the air

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust removal efficiencyVSAvoidairborne dust distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical dust removal mechanism with an electrostatic attraction system. The duster cord generates electrostatic charges that attract and hold dust particles, preventing them from being pushed off surfaces and distributed into the air, thus resolving the contradiction between dust removal efficiency and airborne dust distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental interaction parameter between the duster and dust from mechanical force to electrostatic attraction. By altering the physical mechanism from mechanical pushing to electrostatic holding, the system achieves effective dust removal without redistributing dust into the air.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If an electrostatic duster is used to collect dust on fibers, then minimal dust is distributed into the air, but the duster must be periodically taken outside to shake off accumulated dust

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairborne dust distributionVSAvoidtime for cleaning and recharging
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service system where the duster cord automatically returns to the housing and is vacuumed clean without user intervention. The system self-recharges the electrostatic fibers and self-disposes of collected dust, eliminating the time loss associated with manual cleaning and recharging operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes continuous operation by automatically replenishing the electrostatic charge on the duster cord fibers as they wear down. This continuous recharging process ensures the duster maintains its dust-attracting capability without interruption, eliminating the downtime required for manual recharging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Length of moving object

If a long duster cord is used to reach high places, then difficult-to-reach surfaces can be accessed, but the cord may snag on objects and the electrostatic charge is lost before dust collection occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecord lengthVSAvoidcharge retention and snag resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a dynamic, retractable cord system that can extend to reach high places and retract to avoid snags. The cord's ability to move dynamically allows it to maintain length for reach while minimizing exposure to snagging objects, thereby preserving electrostatic charge and ensuring reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by continuously recharging the electrostatic fibers before they are fully depleted. This ensures that the duster cord maintains its charge retention capability throughout its extended length and operational cycle, preventing charge loss before dust collection occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The duster efficiently collects dust from intricate and delicate surfaces while minimizing air distribution, using a flexible cord with electrostatic attraction and a vacuum system for continuous dust removal and charge replenishment.

Implementation Method 1

the fibers of the cord are electrostatically charged so that they will attract dust and lint

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

the inertia of the cord causes it to continue moving outward from the duster body in any direction it is pointed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertia: Inertia

Implementation Method 3

suction from a vacuum cleaner style system draws air across and through the duster cord to remove the dust and lint that was electrostatically attached to it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3979888B1duster
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 ECKHARDT RICHARD
  • EP3979888B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3979888B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3979888B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6C

AI summary

A remote access duster with a body, a flexible duster cord loop that is configured to be propelled such that part of the loop moves outward from the body while another part moves inward toward the body, and a vacuum source that is configured to draw air over the cord.